Eric Sorensen, chief meteorologist for WREX in Rockford, has a soft spot for Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. In fact, he is hoping people like him enough to vote for him in a national contest to bring the $500 prize to the shelter.

Through midnight Friday, Jan. 17, you can vote for him at weatherist.com as your favorite meteorologist. As of Sunday, Sorensen was in third place - even though his last name is misspelled there.

I spoke with Sorensen on the phone to ask him why he chose this shelter and he told me he has always had a soft spot for this small shelter in Stephenson County.

Years ago, when he was the meteorologist for the station's morning show, he first got to know the "people with a heart" who cared for the animals. He has donated to the shelter and hopes the prize money can help make a difference.

"There are many times I am asked to speak for various organizations and they will give me what I call good-deed money. I began giving this money to this shelter over the years and I just hope more can come their way. In fact, if I can win, I plan to up the ante."

Shelter manager Carol Falconer is excited that he chose to help the shelter.

"What Eric wants to do for us is a nice gesture," she said. "It's great that someone from Rockford would think of us."

A vote for Sorensen is help for the critters.

On another note, I wrote a story in December about Ray and Terri Matthews and their elaborate Christmas light display. They set up a mailbox at the end of their driveway so people who came to view the lights and hear music of the season could donate to the animal shelter.

The tally: $1,733.60.

On a final note, a reader responded to the column I wrote about the Grinch who stole the money box at the shelter. Ron Jansen of Jansen Electronics east of Freeport stopped in at the shelter one day to install a security system, free of charge. Thank you, Ron.

It is the kindness of others that helps keep this shelter running. As someone who has adopted from FFHS, I want to see this shelter continue. It, like many nonprofits, needs all the help it can get.